Releasable heel retainer for ski binding with means for optional setting for starting and cross country events

ABSTRACT

Releasable heel retainer for a ski binding that can be optionally set for starts or cross-country runs and which is guided on a stationary base portion for rocking movement and is also displaceable relative thereto, and which comprises a base, an intermediate housing supporting an outer housing that carries a sole-holding member, where the connection between the intermediate housing and the base portion is defined by forward and rearward joints that extend horizontally and transversely of the binding and which can be raised from the base by means that optionally free either the rear joint while latching the front joint or vice versa.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 280/1 l.35(T) 280/1 l.35(T) r aim .mh hu SS 009 66 99 ll 1 40 900 31 62 63 34p 33 Primary Examiner-Benjamin Hersh Assistant ExaminerRobert R. Song AttorneyRobert H. Jacob e thereto, and which flee mm u b Mm a h .m m m eg D.

w m m Sew m h e movement and is also displaceable relativ comprises a base, an intermediate housi housing that carries a sole-holdin connection between the intermediat ee M-Dh e t t r Xa mu .mk the m mm nd e mnyv aHe mk .mo i mmr i t mm m m t. ..t m

m yaf portion is defined by forward and rearward horizontally and transversel raised from the base by me (HA) rear joint while latching the 30 was:

Inventor Paul Unger Bruckwiesenstrasse 113, 8501 Altenber near Nurnberg, Germany Appl. No. 867,798

Oct. 20, 1969 [45] Patented Apr. 20, 1971 Oct. 19, 1968 Germany P 18 03 996.8

BINDING WITH MEANS FOR OPTIONAL SETTING FOR STARTING AND CROSS COUNTRY EVENTS 16 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs. [52] United States Patent [22] Filed 32 Priority [54] RELEASABLE HEEL RETAINER FOR SKI [51] Intel-"mm..."- [SO] Field0fSearch.......

Patented April 20, 1971 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 lnrenlar: PA (/4 04/966 5X% JW' Patented April 20, 1971 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 hue/7101 ,4 (/4. u/vgae 5% 4 W Patentd April 20, 1971 3,575,431

4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented April 20, 1971 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 i as EELEASLE HEEL RETAIINEE EOE SlKll EINDING WllTH MEANS E OT'THONAL SE'll'llfNG EOE STARTTNG AND CEOSS'COUNTEY EVENTS BACKGROUND OF THE lNVENTlON The present invention relates to ski bindings. More in particular, the invention concerns a self-releasing heel retainer for a ski binding with means for optional setting or adjusting for cross'country runs or starting events such as slalom events. Thus there are contemplated particularly, but not exclusively, the further development of heel holders or retainers where the retainer is pivotable transversely of the longitudinal direction of the ski about a base portion fixed to the ski, as well as displaceable relative thereto.-

ln this connection and also with heel retainers of different construction there exists the shortcoming that in the operating position they always press the heel of the ski boot firmly against the baseplate and that, therefore, they are only suitable for start events. However, there frequently is the requirement or the desire to combine starting runs with crosscountry runs. Thus, the most interesting ski tours require first a ski hike or upward hill travel where the binding must permit raising of the heel from the baseplate, i.e., it must be set for cross-country runs. During the course of the ski hike starts are involved where the heel of the ski boot must be firmly pressed against the baseplate (position for starting runs). For this purpose ski retainers are known where with the aid of parallelogrammic assemblies or additional control bars the same retainer makes possible the optional setting for crosscountry runs or for starting runs. However, these forms of construction are relatively expensive, subject to defects or failure and require a great deal of space.

The invention is primarily based on the problem to accomplish with simple means the optional shifting of the binding from cross-country runs to starting runs while avoiding the shortcomings in a heel retainer of the type aforementioned. At the same time, the maximum possible raising height of the sole retainer in the position for crosscountry runs is to be increased, but while keeping the structural height of the retainer as small as possible.

SUMMARY OF THE lNVENTlON Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to connect the outer housing which carries the sole-holding or depressing part with the base portion by way of an intermediate housing, while for connecting the intermediate housing with the base portion a front and a rear linkage are provided, both of which extend horizontally and transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and can be lifted off, and to provide means to optionally free the rear linkage to be lifted off and latch the front linkage (position for cross-country runs), or vice versa (position for downward starts).

ln this manner a fonn of construction is obtained which saves considerable space, because the intermediate housing is effective as an operational component in the position for starting events as well as also'in the position for cross-country runs. ln the latter case it can cooperate with the outer housing in the manner of an opening and closing scissors. As a result of this scissors effect it is possible in the position for crosscountry runs to raise up the sole-holding part relatively high above the baseplate. Expensive and space consuming linkages of parallelogrammic configurations or the like can thus be avoided. In height as well as in length and width a heel retainer of this type is practically not larger than the known heel retainers which, however, can only be used for downward starting events. Furthermore, the arrangement in accordance with the invention is substantially simpler and therefore cheaper than the known sole-holders, because the number of the link joint connections required is very small. This imparts to the heel retainer also considerable robustness and prevents the adverse effects of linkage play transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski. All components of the assembly are satisfactorily shielded against the entrance of snow and ice as a result of the housing members which can be fitted or slid onto one another due to the boxlike construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

FlG. l is a perspective exploded illustration of the individual structural components of the outer and intermediate housings including the associated parts;

FlG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of the base portion including the baseplate and its associated parts;

FlG. 3 is a sectional view taken centrally of the retainer in the position of the latching means for starting runs or events where only the outer housing and the holding down portions are in section;

FIG. 4 is a section similar to FIG. 3, but upon release of the holding spring; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of the heel-retainer-latching means in the position for cross-country runs, as well as with the outer and the intermediate housing suitably raised.

DESCRlPTlON OF THE lNVENTlGN portion, intermediate housing and outer housing are boxshaped and are each formed with lateral cheeks or walls that are disposed vertically and extend longitudinally of the ski. The intermediate housing is slid over the base portion and the outer housing over the intermediate housing.

The intermediate housing 2 is connected with the base portion 3, preferably its lateral checks 3, by way of a front and a rear linkage or joint, both of which are disposed transversely of the length of the ski and may be lifted off. For this purpose pins or bolts 6, 7 are suitable, which in accordance with the embodiment are provided in the intennediate housing, which fit into forward slots 9 that extend generally perpendicularly upwardly and rearward slots E of the base portion that extend generally horizontally rearwardly and are slightly inclined. In this connection parts 6, 8 define the rearward linkage means and parts 7, 9 the forward linkage means.

In order to make it possible to optionally free the rearward linkage for lifting and at the same time to lock the forward linkage, or vice versa, there is provided a slide member 10 serving as a latching means that is guided between the sidewalls 3' for sliding longitudinally in the direction of the ski. For this purpose transverse pins M are secured in the sidewalls, which enter corresponding slots 112 of the slide. The slide is provided at its top with a projection 13 which engages a corresponding recess or dip M of a tilting key 15 that is rockably supported at its bore 16 by way of a pin 16 in eyelets 16" of the'upper part ofthe housing about an axis extending horizontally and transversely with respect to the longitudinal extent of the ski. The upper side of the tilting key is provided with two actuating surfaces that are defined by recesses A and T for receiving the point of the ski pole. These actuating surfaces are accessible through an opening 1' in the top side of the outer housing.

Instead of this, a different arrangement could serve for actuating the latching means which here is in the form of a slide, for example an eccentric member that is rocked or moved to the desired position by means of a turning knob that is accessible from the outside.

In response to pressure of the point of the ski pole upon the recess A the slide is pushed to the rear into position for starts (see FIGS. 3 and 4) in which the linkage bolt 6 is latched against upward rising but frees the forward linkage bolt 7. Under pressure of the point of the ski pole upon the recess T, on the other hand, the slide moves into the position for crosscountry running in which it latches the front linkage bolt 7 and frees the rearward linkage bolt 6 (see also FIG. It is advisable to latch the position of the slide at any time by means of a braking lock, a ball latch or the like.

To connect the outer housing with the intermediate housing preferably the rearward linking bolt is utilized which passes through the bore 17 of the intermediate housing as well as also bore 18 of the outer housing, in such a manner that there it permits the aforementioned scissorlike shifting of these two housing components relative to one another. The aforementioned bores as well as the other bores are provided in both sidewalls of the components I to 3. A guiding pin or the like 20 is slidably guided in a slot 22 of the base portion or its side checks 3' that preferably extends arcuately from the bottom to the top and passes at the same time through the slots 23 of the intermediate housing that extend generally perpendicularly to the slots 22. The pin 20 has rivet heads (not illustrated) that slidably engage the outer flanks of the intermediate housing for guidance. Thus a displaceable joumaling is provided for the intermediate and outer housing relative to the base portion which permits the upward rocking of the outer housing out of the position in FIG. 3 into the position shown in FIG. 4. A particularly advantageous manner of operation is provided when the slot 8 for the rearward linkage 6 is directed rearwardly as described, so that outer and intermediate housing can also be displaced in that direction with respect to the base portion. This provides advantageous running and release characteristics in such a binding. Besides, this contributes further to decreasing the structural height as well as for increasing the angle of opening in the position for starting runs (FIGS. 3, 4). It is understood, however, that the principle of the present invention can also be utilized with success in differently constructed bindings.

To provide for the necessary pressure and retaining force in the position for starts or downward runs a pressure spring 24 is provided, which at its rearward end is biased in the base against a setscrew 25 and at its forward end by way of an intermediate member 26 against the joint 27 of a toggle lever arrangement. At the same time the spring 24 tends to press the joint 27 forwardly. This dead point release requires furthermore two strips 28, 29 that form the toggle lever, of which strips 28 are mounted at their outer ends as indicated at 30 in bores 31 in sidewalls 3. On the other hand, the bore 32 of the other link member 29 of unitary construction is entered by the aforementioned guiding pin 20, and thus it follows the movements thereof. Furthermore, a manual release means is provided, which is not illustrated. It can be constituted by an angular lever journaled in the base, one lever arm of which extends from the rearward end of the retainer for operation and whose other lever arm is connected with the joint 27 by a pulling bar arrangement in such a manner that on depressing the projecting lever arm the joint 27 is pulled rearwardly as the spring 24 is compressed. In this manner the heel retainer arrives, if the slide is in the position for downward starts, from the retaining position of FIG. 3 into the release position of FIG. 4, and this by overcoming the dead point of the knee lever assembly. The same action takes place in response to a suitable presure indicated upwardly upon the sole-holding part 33.

This heel retainer can be brought from the position in accordance with FIG. 3 by stepping down on the stepping plate 34 and overcoming the dead point, into the holding position in accordance with FIG. 3. With this movement of the outer and intermediate housing from the position of FIG. 4 into that of FIG. 3, and vice versa, the guiding pin 20 slides in the guiding slot 22 of the base and takes along the intermediate housing. Due to the horizontal arrangement of the slots 23 of the intermediate housing it is possible, however, to have a transverse displacement between the intermediate housingand the socket. Furthermore, the slots 23 permit upward rocking of the intermediate housing about the forward linkage 7 as determined by the length of the slot 23. This end position is illustrated in FIG. 5. Besides, there could be for starts an additional effective latching between outer and intermediate housing, for example in the form of an eccentric or the like that is operable from the top of the outer housing. In this case it is advisable to couple the operation of the additional latching with the operation of the movement of the latching means.

In the position for cross-country runs (FIG. 5) the manner of operation is as follows: The intermediate housing 2 is firmly held with its forward linkage 7 by the slide 10 in the forward slots 9. The rearward connection 6, however, may rise upwardly. At the same time outer and intermediate housing are rockable about this linkage bolt against one another in the manner of a scissors. Besides, the intermediate housing can rock with respect to the base portion about the forward link joint 7.

In order to provide a force control during raising of the outer housing, for example forced comovement of the intermediate housing, catches are provided on the outer housing, which as the rearward end is swung upwardly, engage the intermediate housing and press it upwardly. For this purpose the present embodiment has guiding bars 35 that are linked at their rearward ends in bores 36 of the outer housing and which are disposed lower, preferably below the bores 18. In the front end of the guiding bars 35 a linkage pin or rivet 35' is disposed which is slidably guided in slots 37 of the sidewalls 3' that extend generally horizontally. If for crosscountry runs the outer housing is pulled upwardly, then its bore 18 follows an are around the front link 7. With this not only the sole-depressing portion 33 but also the bores 36 carry out a forwardly directed arcuate movement on which is superimposed the rocking movement of the housing about the location 18. This results in that the guiding bars 35 are likewise moved forwardly. Thus their stud 35 comes into engagement with the inclined sliding or running surface 38 of the intermediate housing 2 and thus rocks the same upwardly in counterclockwise direction about the link joint 7. The paths of movement, particularly the curve followed by the soledepressing portion can, therefore, be exactly predetermined by suitable dimensioning of the elements of the assembly. The guiding bars 35 besides may serve, when the binding is used for starts in the position of FIG. 3, for additional latching or as carried along member between the outer and intermediate housing. Then in the position for starts, the outer housing rocks about the rearward linkage 6, i.e., about its bores 18. Thus the guiding bar 35 has imparted to it a forwardly directed movement, so that the stud 35' that is in engagement with the surface 38 tends to move the intennediate housing together with the outer housing upwardly.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show a further development of the invention. In accordance therewith the sole-retainer portion 33 and the associated stepping plate 34 are unitary, i.e., they are made as a construction element which is linked to the outer housing at the level of the sole-depressing part as at 39. With this pivotable structural element there cooperates a guiding arrangement which in the position for cross-country runs with upward movement (depressing) of the'outer housing swings this element rearwardly (forwardly). In this embodiment two pulling bars 40 serve as guidance means, which at their forward ends 41 are linked to the aforementioned structural element at a distance from the location 39 and are pivotably secured at their rearward ends 42 to the intermediate housing. Under these conditions this fastening location is disposed lower than the bores 17 of the rearward linkage 6. The higher the outer housing is lifted from the baseplate during crosscountry runs, the stronger the pulling bars 40 will pull the joint 41 rearwardly and suitably swing the sole-depressing part 33 and the stepping plate 34 into the interior of the housing, so

that these forcibly assume the correct angular position with respect to the boot.

Having now described my invention with reference to the embodiment illustrated, what i desire to protect by letters patent of the United States is set forth in the appended claims.

lclaim: 1

1. Releasable heel retainer for a ski binding provided with means for the optional setting for downward starts and for cross-country runs, which comprises a fixed base and components which are rockable and slidable relative thereto, said components includingan intermediate housing connected to said base, an outer housing supporting a sole-holding member at its forward end and connected to said base by way of said intermediate housing, afront linkage and a rear linkage between said intermediate housing and said base both extending horizontally and transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and adapted to rise upwardly, and means for freeing said rear linkage for upward movement and latching the front linkage in place and for reversing the condition to free said front linkage and latch said rear linkage.

2. Heel retainerin accordance with claim 1, where said base has upwardly extending cheeks and said front and rear linkages comprise front and rear slots in said cheeks and pivot pins extending from said intermediate housing into said slots, and said means for latching and freeing said front and rear linkages comprising a slide member having sliding engagement with said cheeks and alternately movable to free said front or said rear linkages. I

3. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 2, where said front slots extend generally vertically upwardly and said rear slots are inclined and extend rearwardly.

4. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 3, comprising toggle means disposed in the forward end of said housing having one arm pivotally connected at one end to said base and another arm having a bore, arcuate upwardly extending guiding slots in said cheeks proximate the forward end of said base and a guide pin extending from said intermediate housing into said slots and said bore, and a spring biased at its rearward end against said intennediate housing and at its forward end against said toggle means.

5. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 4, where said intermediate housing has horizontally extending arcuate slots proximate said upwardly extending slots in said cheeks and said guide pin extends through said arcuate slots in said cheeks and in said intermediate housing.

6. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 5, where said base, said intermediate housing and said outer housing are extending through said bores, permitting pivotal movement of said housings relative to one another to establish the setting for cross-country runs.

8. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 7, where said pivot axis is defined by said rearward linkage including said inclined slot and said pivot pin.

9. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 8, where said intermediate housing is pivotable about said front linkage relative to said base to establish the position for cross-country runs.

l0. Heel retainer in accordance with claim- 9, where catchers are linked to the outer housing which, as the rearward housing portion engages the intermediate housing, force said intermediate housing upwardly.

1]. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 10, where said latchers are link bars pivotally connected at one of their ends at the outer housing below the rearward-linkage and where said base portion has forwardly directed slots, with said link bars being pivotally connected at one of their ends with said outer housing below the rearward linkage and at their other ends in sar slots of the base and w rch have a catcher member-for engagement with said slots.

12. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 11 comprising said sole-holding member and said stepping plate formed as a unitary component linked to said outer housing proximate the forward upper end thereof, and means responsive to upward movement of said outer housing for crosscountry runs to move said sole holder and said stepping plate rearwardly.

l3. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 12, where said means responsive to upward movement comprise pulling bars engaging with their forward ends said unitary component at a distance from its connection with said housing and pivotally connected at their rearward ends to the intermediate housing at a lower level than the rear linkage connection.

14. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 13 comprising a latching arrangement between said outer housing and the intennediate housing that is effective for the position of starting runs defined by an eccentric or the like proximate the top side of the outer housing, said eccentric being in operative engagement with said slide member.

15. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 14, including connecting link bars serving as latching means and disposed generally horizontally for the starting run position between said base and said intermediate housing and having a catch below an inclined edge of said intermediate housing.

16. Heel retainer in accordance with-claim 15 comprising a rockably supported tilting key for operating said slide member disposed horizontally in said intermediate housing and having actuating surfaces, where said outer housing defines a recess through which said tilting key is accessible, and said slide member having a hump for engagement with the bottom side of said tilting key. 

1. Releasable heel retainer for a ski binding provided with means for the optional setting for downward starts and for crosscountry runs, which comprises a fixed base and components which are rockable and slidable relative thereto, said components including an intermediate housing connected to said base, an outer housing supporting a sole-holding member at its forward end and connected to said base by way of said intermediate housing, a front linkage and a rear linkage between said intermediate housing and said base both extending horizontally and transversely of the longitudinal extent of the ski and adapted to rise upwardly, and means for freeing said rear linkage for upward movement and latching the front linkage in place and for reversing the condition to free said front linkage and latch said rear linkage.
 2. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 1, where said base has upwardly extending cheeks and said front and rear linkages comprise front and rear slots in said cheeks and pivot pins extending from said intermediate housing into said slots, and said means for latching and freeing said front and rear linkages comprising a slide member having sliding engagement with said cheeks and alternately movable to free said front or said rear linkages.
 3. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 2, where said front slots extend generally vertically upwardly and said rear slots are inclined and extend rearwardly.
 4. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 3, comprising toggle means disposed in the forward end of said housing having one arm pivotally connected at one end to said base and another arm having a bore, arcuate upwardly extending guiding slots in said cheeks proximate the forward end of said base and a guide pin extending from said intermediate housing into said slots and said bore, and a spring biased at its rearward end against said intermediate housing and at its forward end against said toggle meaNs.
 5. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 4, where said intermediate housing has horizontally extending arcuate slots proximate said upwardly extending slots in said cheeks and said guide pin extends through said arcuate slots in said cheeks and in said intermediate housing.
 6. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 5, where said base, said intermediate housing and said outer housing are generally box-shaped and have elongated sidewalls, said intermediate housing fits over the cheeks of said base and said outer housing fits over said intermediate housing.
 7. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 7 including aligned bores in the upper rearward portions of said outer and said intermediate housing and a pivot pin defining a pivot axis extending through said bores, permitting pivotal movement of said housings relative to one another to establish the setting for cross-country runs.
 8. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 7, where said pivot axis is defined by said rearward linkage including said inclined slot and said pivot pin.
 9. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 8, where said intermediate housing is pivotable about said front linkage relative to said base to establish the position for cross-country runs.
 10. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 9, where catchers are linked to the outer housing which, as the rearward housing portion engages the intermediate housing, force said intermediate housing upwardly.
 11. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 10, where said latchers are link bars pivotally connected at one of their ends at the outer housing below the rearward linkage and where said base portion has forwardly directed slots, with said link bars being pivotally connected at one of their ends with said outer housing below the rearward linkage and at their other ends in said slots of the base and which have a catcher member for engagement with said slots.
 12. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 11 comprising said sole-holding member and said stepping plate formed as a unitary component linked to said outer housing proximate the forward upper end thereof, and means responsive to upward movement of said outer housing for cross-country runs to move said sole holder and said stepping plate rearwardly.
 13. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 12, where said means responsive to upward movement comprise pulling bars engaging with their forward ends said unitary component at a distance from its connection with said housing and pivotally connected at their rearward ends to the intermediate housing at a lower level than the rear linkage connection.
 14. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 13 comprising a latching arrangement between said outer housing and the intermediate housing that is effective for the position of starting runs defined by an eccentric or the like proximate the top side of the outer housing, said eccentric being in operative engagement with said slide member.
 15. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 14, including connecting link bars serving as latching means and disposed generally horizontally for the starting run position between said base and said intermediate housing and having a catch below an inclined edge of said intermediate housing.
 16. Heel retainer in accordance with claim 15 comprising a rockably supported tilting key for operating said slide member disposed horizontally in said intermediate housing and having actuating surfaces, where said outer housing defines a recess through which said tilting key is accessible, and said slide member having a hump for engagement with the bottom side of said tilting key. 